|
|
by Susan Freck
| Large format paperback in Very Good condition. Faint crease across top right and bottom right corners front cover. Inscription in ink on title page.
Published by Stroud Choral Society 2001.
176 pages illustrated with black and white photos and pictures.
22.3cm x 30.4cm x 1.4cm.
Weight: 750gms.
Stamped and numbered inside back cover: 259/1,000.
Cover and title page illustration: 'The 1st Philharmonic Concert for the Season was held at the Subscription Rooms on Tuesday evening last - November 17th 1835 - and was attended by all the respectable families in the neighbourhood. 'Mr Sapio, obviously singing 'Queen of my Soul', was 'repeatedly encored'. Note the trellis and paper flower decoration along the front of the 'orchestra'.
This book not only reveals the remarkably full history of one of the oldest choral societies in Britain, but also gives a fascinating insight into the social history of a small market town from the early nineteenth century onwards. It shows the effects that the emergence of railway travel had in giving opportunities to a much larger span of society than the privileged few. This enabled them to experience the wealth of culture and music previously only known in the large cities. It also shows the importance of amateur groups which encourage talented players and singers to flourish, and the effect this had on education. Considerable amounts of money were raised for charitable institutions - in particular the new Stroud Hospital. Local traders, aware of the great interest in these musical events, encouraged their workers to experience them by closing early on concert days. Special arrangements were made for extra trains, and even the Royal Mail made additional stops to allow audiences to get home.
The twentieth century brought new challenges. New composers and singers were brought before a more discerning and critical public who, with the advantage of modern recordings, were more knowledgeable and particular in their likes and dislikes. Concerts continued during the early part of the First World War and from 1920 continuously to the present day.
Other forms of entertainment now compete for audiences and participants alike, but in the twenty-first century we still find Stroud Choral Society continuing to evolve, bringing less well known and new works to the public.
|
Publisher: Stroud Choral Society
ISBN: 0954174208
Condition: Very Good |
2001
|
| Postage & Handling to UK mainland: £4.00 | Price: £4.50
|
|
|
|
